Ever been offered a glass of something sweet and delicious that packs a little more punch than usual? The chances are that it was a fortified wine, a unique and flavourful nightcap that’s impossible to forget.
But it’s not just the special taste that makes fortified wine so widely loved, it’s also the process. These memorable wines are a beautiful balance of wine and distilled spirit, which gives it an unmistakable kick and a unique flavour.
How are fortified wines made?
The process of making fortified wine begins like regular winemaking. First, the grapes are crushed and mixed. Then, during fermentation, yeast is added to turn sugars into alcohol. Here’s where the process changes with the interruption of the fermentation process by adding a distilled spirit. This critical step means more sugars remain in the wine, creating a distinctly sweeter and stronger drop.
Is fortified wine the same as dessert wine?
No, it’s not. Dessert wine is created from sweet grapes like Muscat, which gives it a higher sugar and alcohol content than regular drops. Fortified varieties are distinct because they have a spirit (often brandy) added during production.
Remember, drink wise!
Keep in mind that wines like these that contain spirits have a higher alcohol content than regular white and red wine, so it’s something to sip carefully – and it’s best to stop at one!
Alcohol volume comparison between fortified wine and dry red wine:
Types of fortified wine
- Port – This is a super popular sweet fortified wine from the Porto region of Portugal. It’s usually made using red grapes, but there are white ports too!
- Sherry – A Spanish fortified wine from the Jerez region made using white grapes. Unlike port, the fortification happens at the end of fermentation.
- Madeira – From the Madeira Islands of Portugal, you can consider this Port’s cousin! Available in sweet or dry options, it uses a unique ‘heating’ technique to create flavours of caramel and nuts.
- Vermouth – if you love a martini, you will be familiar with vermouth’s unique flavour. It contains herbs, spices and botanicals and comes in sweet and dry options.
What to pair with fortified wine
In Australia, many wine connoisseurs enjoy this decadent wine on its own with some great company. But, it also happens to pair beautifully with a range of food. Take a look at our favourites:
- Cheese platters – We’re talking blue cheese, aged cheddar and plenty of Fromager d’Affinois!
- Nuts – Macadamias, spiced mixed nuts, roasted hazelnuts – you choose!
- Rich desserts – With sweet wines, skip the fresh and fruity desserts and indulge in something decadent. Fortified wines work beautifully with chocolate and caramel flavours, so consider tarts, puddings, cakes and slices.
- Chocolate – A block of rich dark chocolate and your favourite fortified tipple? Heaven!
What’s your favourite dessert wine? Let us know in the comments below!
